Two Harbors Trail System Plan

Transcription

1 Two Harbors Trail System Plan May 2005 Two Harbors Planning and Zoning Commission

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3 Two Harbors Trails Plan May 2005 Adopted by: The City of Two Harbors Robin Glaser, Mayor 2005 City Council John Jacoby, At-large, council President Randy Bolen, Jr., Ward 4, Council Vice President Brad Jones, Ward 2 Dan Jones, Ward 3 Steve Philips, Ward 1 Mary Rosati, At-large Chirs Swanson, At-large Proposed by: City of Two harbors Planning and Zoning Commission Jody Zastera, Acting Chair Gary Hoffert Dan Jones Ken Kari Lee Senst Roger Simonson Laurel Udenberg Todd Ronning Special thanks to former Planning Commission members John Reppe and Jon Jacoby Prepared by ARDC: John Chell, Executive Director This project was funded in part by the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee (RTAC) Inkind Transportation Planning Grant Program. The RTAC is a sub-committee of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission.

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5 Table of Contents Section One: Introduction... 1 Section Two: Trails System...5 Section Three: Trailhead...2 Appendix A: Detailed Segment Description... A-1 Appendix B: What is ARDC?... B-1

6 List of Figures, Maps, and Tables Figure One: Agate Trail...5 Figure Two: Trail Sign...6 Figure Three: Lighthouse Point...7 Figure Four: Safe Routes to School...9 Figure Five: Potential Development Site Figure Six: Effective Signage Figure Seven: Sonju Trail Figure Eight: Skunk Creek Figure Nine: On Road Trail Segment Diagram Map One: Two Harbors Trail System...3 Map Two: Trail System by Neighborhood Map Three: Trail Head Location Map Four: Trail System...A-3 Table One: Trails by Funding Sources...11 Table Two: Trails by Neighborhood... 17

7 Section One: Introduction The Goals of the Two Harbors Trails Plan 1. Design a trail system that assists children and community members getting to schools in and near the City of Two Harbors. 2. Design a trail system that connects neighborhoods to each other and to City parks and athletic fields. 3. Design a trail system that connects people to the downtown business area and the Two Harbors Waterfront. 4. Design a trail system that will provide seamless connections between the future Gitchi-Gami Trail and the North Shore Scenic Highway (CR 61). 5. Provide guidance to the City of Two Harbors in the development of a trailhead. In the winter of 2004, the Lake Superior School District began construction of a new high school about one mile north of the city limits of Two Harbors, Minnesota. Moving the school from its previously central location in Two Harbors to the area outside the city raised concerns in the community about children getting to the school safely. In response, Lake County requested money from the Legislative Committee on Minnesota Resources (LCMR) to construct a paved, non-motorized trail from Two Harbors to the new high school along Lake County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2. The idea was funded by LCMR, and the Agate Trail (see Segment #16 in Appendix A) was constructed in the summer of Simultaneously, the County, City of Two Harbors, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the School District began discussing a much larger system of trails for the City that would connect all the city s neighborhoods to the school. Discussions regarding the trail system idea were held with Congressman James Oberstar (DFL, 8 th District of Minnesota). Mr. Oberstar was able to get the Two Harbors Safe Routes to School idea included in the house version of the bill that is set to reauthorize the Nation s six-year transportation funding package. That bill could provide the City of Two Harbors with $890,000 of federal funds to develop the Safe Routes to School trail system. An additional twenty percent above the potential award must be provided by local (non-federal) funds. This means a total of at least $1,112,500 would be available to the City for trail development. In the summer of 2004, the City applied for an In-kind Planning Grant from the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee (RTAC), a sub-committee of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC). This grant program provides up to $10,000 worth of transportation planning services to communities. Two Harbors was awarded a grant in order to plan a trail system that would best serve the City of Two Harbors. The RTAC Grant also provided the City with the opportunity to plan a possible multi-jurisdictional trailhead within the City, likely to be located at Burlington Bay. The Planning Commission began the planning process in September of The result of the Trails Plan is the proposed system of trails that is shown on the next page and described in detail in Section Two and Appendix A. Section Three describes the potential trailhead 1

8 Section One: Introduction recommendations for its implementation. A summary of all of this plan s recommendations is as follows: Recommendation 1: Develop the Two Harbors Trail System over the course of the next several years using a variety of funding sources including the Lake Superior Coastal Program, Safe Routes to School, Transportation Enhancements, and Planned Unit Developments. Recommendation 2: The Lake Superior School District should develop a program that encourages walking and biking to school. Recommendation 3: The Lake Superior School District should take advantage of ARDC s Bicycle Safety Education Program in The City of Two Harbors, Minnesota County Seat of Lake County 3,667 people (2003 estimate, State Demographer) Incorporated in 1907 Primary economic activities are shipping (iron ore), manufacturing, wood products, and tourism Land Use Analysis (1998 Comprehensive Plan) 42% of the City is vacant 27% is parks and recreation 23% is single family residential 3% is commercial 3% is public/quasi-public 1% is multiple family residential 1% is industrial* Recommendation 4: The City of Two Harbors should create an ordinance that establishes what uses are allowed on the Two Harbors Trail System, how those uses are enforced through the City Police Department, and what the penalties will be for trail misuse. Recommendation 5: A Friends of Two Harbors Trails committee should be formed that is responsible for oversight of the trail system, organizing spring clean ups, coordinating activities with the school district, and ensuring the pursuit of future trails. Recommendation 6: The City of Two Harbors should explore the use of a wheel pass fee system to help ensure funding for longterm trail maintenance. Recommendation 7: A Two Harbors Trailhead, at a minimum consisting of a parking lot, distinct trail connections, and information kiosks, should be developed by *A significant amount of industry is located just outside the city limits 2

9 Map 1 Potential Trails City Overview C B Potential Soccer Fields 18 ID B B B 33C Name Harbor Hills Southwest Harbor Hills Central Harbor Hills Northwest Harbor Hills South Harbor Hills North CSAH 26 Trail West CSAH 26 Trail Central CSAH 26 Trail East Neighborhood Connector West Neighborhood Connector South Neighborhood Connector South - 8th St. Neighborhood Connector East Central Connector Neighborhood Connector North Antonich Trail Leisure Hills Agate Trail Golf Course North Golf Course East Golf Course Central Gitchi-Gami Trail Sonju Trail North TH 61 Underpass Sonju Trail Sonju Trail Central Sonju Trail West Sonju Trail West - 8th St. Skunk Creek Trail East Skunk Creek Trail Central (on-road) Skunk Creek Trail Harbor Hills East Skunk Creek Trail Harbor Hills North Skunk Creek Trail Harbor Hills West Skunk Creek Trail Segog Skunk Creek Connector Scenic Drive Trail Scenic Drive Trail - South Scenic Drive Trail - North Railroad Underpass 7th Avenue Connector Miles Est. Cost $31,561 $49,472 $33,028 N/A $36,885 $64,966 $67,072 $33,374 $13,988 $32,216 $54,432 $331,619 $10,000 $53,537 $36,301 $20,898 N/A $71,602 $88,075 $66,904 $168,625 $40,019 $300,000 N/A $45,631 $85,043 $81,423 $33,791 $10,000 $36,569 $18,824 $45,377 $46,010 $72,513 $157,568 $148,953 $141,385 $300,000 $35, B 25 25B 23 Map Features 24 Minnesota [Two Harbors. Two Harbors Trails Existing Trails Future Trails Future Roads City Limits Miles

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11 Section Two: Trails System There are several driving forces behind the push to develop a paved trail system in Two Harbors. Getting children safely to school, having a walkable community, increased tourism, and improved health of residents all are benefits of the potential system. Once in place, the trails will need to be maintained in a manner that provides the most benefit to the community. Section Two describes the need, the benefits, and the future maintenance needs of a trail system. It also describes potential funding sources and the general location and purpose of the trail segments. The New Two Harbors High School Located about one mile outside the city limits Will be completed by the summer of 2005 Will serve grades 7-12 Includes several community items, such as the swimming pool and athletic fields Safe Routes to School Thirty years ago, more than 66 percent of all children walked to school. Now only 13 percent of American children walk or bike to school. 1 Research indicates that 20 to 25 percent 2 of morning traffic is due to parents driving their kids to school. This only increases safety concerns further for kids that do walk, as congestion around school can be severe. As outlined in a study of Marin County, California endorsed by Congressman James Oberstar, a successful Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program integrates health, fitness, traffic relief, environmental awareness, and safety under one program. Past SR2S programs have used one or more of the following approaches 3 : The Encouragement Approach uses events and contests to entice students to try walking and biking The Education Approach teaches students safety skills and implements driver safety programs Figure 1: Construction of the Agate Trail was completed in the fall of The Engineering Approach focuses on physical improvements to the school areas and the community that create safer situations for bikers and walkers The Enforcement Approach uses law enforcement to ensure drivers follow traffic laws 1. Safe Routes to School, US Department of Transportation, Marin County Congestion Management Agency, Safe Routes to School, US Department of Transportation, 2002 The Two Harbors Planning Commission encourages the Lake Superior School District to conduct Encouragement programs and to work closely with law enforcement to ensure safety around 5

12 Section Two: Trails System the schools. Additionally, the Planning Commission notes that the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) has received federal funds to conduct bicycle safety education in many cities in Northeast Minnesota, including Two Harbors. The focus of this plan will be on large-scale engineering improvements, specifically in the form of bicycle trails. Walkable Community Figure 2: Trails are an important component of a healthy community. Like many American cities that developed in the same era, sidewalks do not parallel many of Two Harbor's streets. While walking on most streets is safe, the youngest and oldest residents may be discouraged from walking or riding bicycles, particularly when cars are parked on the street or snow is piled up on the curb, inhibiting sight lines. Studies show that walkable communities are more attractive for retirees and families with children and that walkable communities can help improve the health of the public. 4 The walkable community movement in cities such as Vancouver, British Columbia and Burnsville, Minnesota show that people will walk or bike when they perceive it to be easy, safe, and on a direct route. 5 With that in mind, the City of Two Harbors has worked with planners from ARDC to plan a system of paved nonmotorized trails that focus on connecting neighborhoods to each other and to the trail that leads to the new high school (grades seven through twelve). The trail system also considers the need for the neighborhoods to access the elementary schools, the City s waterfront, the City s downtown business district, parks, and recreation facilities (athletic fields). It is the City s assertion that by implementing this trail plan and creating a more walkable community that the City will be more attractive to families, retirees, small businesses and large industries. The map on page 17 shows the planned segments of trails and bikeways that, if implemented, would become part of the City of Two Harbors Trails System. Also shown on the map are the locations of schools, parks, downtown, the waterfront, and other potential facilities that could generate pedestrian or bicycling traffic. 4. Health Implications of Community Designs, Sept Health Implications of Community Designs, Sept

13 Section Two: Trails System Tourism Benefits To learn more about the benefits of trails, please read The Arrowhead Region Paved Trails Impacts and Planning Strategies, an ARDC document from It is available on ARDC s web site at ArrowheadRegionPaved Trails.htm Tourism is a significant part of the Two Harbors economy, and it continues to grow in the City and on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Paved trails, because they are safe and family friendly, are considered a significant draw for vacationers that want to spend time outdoors. The trail system would connect hotels and the City campground to the City s waterfront and Lighthouse Point, the primary attractions in the City. The Two Harbors Trail System would also be a part of a larger bike trail system that could cater to the more intense cyclists that wish to put hundreds of miles on their tires. See page 16 for more details. Use and Maintenance of the Trail System The types of uses on the paved trail can have an impact on the life of its pavement and the safety of its users. This plan recommends that the uses that are allowed on the trail reflect the uses that the Northeast Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership allows on federally funded trails (see page 9). That body restricts trail uses to non-motorized activities such as walking, biking, roller skates or the equivalent. Motorized wheelchairs or scooters that are being used by people with disabilities are allowed. In Two Harbors, motorized golf cars would be allowed on the trail on segments within the golf course property and potentially the campground if an underpass were built under Trunk Highway 61. Figure 3: Mt. Bike on Trail The City of Two Harbors is responsible for ensuring that potentially damaging misuse of the trails does not occur. City Code should ban snowmobiles (non-studded snowmobiles could be allowed in limited areas where trails overlap), as well as allterrain vehicles (ATVs). A City ordinance should be passed that outlines the allowed uses, declares that the City Police Department is responsible for responding to complaints of trail misuse, and sets penalty for offenders. The penalty should reflect the costly damage that misuse can often cause. It is also noted that Conservation Officers with the Minnesota DNR have the primary responsibility for enforcing regulations that protect the state s natural resources and the public safety of citizens who use those resources. Conservation officers are licensed peace officers with powers similar to other law enforcement officers. They may carry weapons, pursue 7

14 Section Two: Trails System lawbreakers, and make arrests. DNR conservation officers uphold state laws and rules related to a wide range of recreational vehicles including snowmobiles and ATVs. Long-term Maintenance of Paved Trails Long-term maintenance of local trails is probably the biggest challenge for trail developers. Most communities can find grants to fund trail construction, and can absorb the cost of day-to-day trail maintenance, but struggle to find funds for repaving the trails when the pavement deteriorates. The Mesabi Trail, a soon-to-be-completed, 132-mile long trail on Minnesota s Iron Range, has addressed that issue through a wheel pass that is required for all users 18 or older who use the trail for biking or roller-skating. The pass costs $12 annually or $3 for a two-day pass. The wheel pass generated $15,000 in Maintenance Costs The book Trails for the 21 st Century states that the annual maintenance costs for cleaning, mowing, and tree trimming average about $6,500 per mile, but the MnDNR and other local trail administrators believe that figure is much lower in the Arrowhead. Longterm maintenance (resurfacing) costs average about $15,000 per mile, but only have to be done every years. The Mesabi Trail is considering the use of the product called liquid road which would reduce resurfacing costs to about $6,500 per mile. Maintenance of the Safe Routes to School Trail System would be the responsibility of the City of Two Harbors for any trail segments within the city limits other than the Gitchi-Gami State Trail (see Segment #20 in Appendix A), which will be maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The portion of the Agate Trail (see Segment #16 in Appendix A) outside the city limits is the responsibility of Lake County. In summer, maintenance will consist of keeping the trail clear of debris and gravel, and the grass on the trails right-of-way (ROW) will be mowed. In the winter the trails will be kept clear of snow in order to provide year-around pedestrian and bicycle use. This winter maintenance commitment is important because giving people outdoor exercise options are likely to enhance a community s quality of life. On a long-term basis, the City of Two Harbors will have to include the maintenance of the trails pavement in its capital improvements plan. The City should overlay or rehabilitate the pavement on a regular basis (about every 10 to 15 years) to ensure that it is free of cracks and potholes that could be unsafe for bicycles or roller skates. A wheel pass system similar to the Mesabi Trail s (see inset on this page), could help offset some of the long-term maintenance of the trails, as well as create awareness of the trails. Another maintenance tool that could be used is the creation of a Friends of Two Harbors Trails Committee. This committee could organize trail clean ups, notify the City of maintenance concerns, and champion the creation of future trails. The committee would be citizen led, but the City council will retain the responsibility of making maintenance decisions and applying for future trail funding. Potential Funding Sources Several different funding sources could be taken advantage of to construct the Two Harbors Trail System. They can be used in a coordinated manner in order to best serve the citizens of Two Harbors. 8

15 Section Two: Trails System Safe Routes to School, a federally funded program, provides money to communities to construct facilities that will assist children and adults access schools more safely. Two Harbors is poised to receive $890,000 from this program through the reauthorization of the Nation s six-year transportation funding program, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21 st Century (TEA-21). In all likelihood the program will require that an additional 20 percent of local or state money be provided as well. This means that the federal government would provide $890,000 and that the City of Two Harbors or another local or state source would need to provide at least $222,500. It is this plan s recommendation that the local match come from LCMR. Figure 4: Safe Routes to school poster The Legislative Council on Minnesota Resources (LCMR) is one source of state funds that could be used to provide the match for the Safe Routes to School money. Amongst many other things, this is a competitive program that provides up to 50 percent of the funds to needed to construct trails. Since the federal government would be providing 80 percent in this case, it is possible for the entire local match for the Safe Routes to School funding to come from LCMR. Another source of federal funds is Minnesota s Lake Superior Coastal Program. This federally funded program can provide up to 50 percent of a project that demonstrates a direct connection with protecting, restoring or enhancing coastal resources on Lake Superior. The other portion of the project s funding cannot be federal. LCMR or local funds could be used to match potential Coastal Program dollars for trail construction. The Coastal Program distributes its funds on an annual competitive basis. Transportation Enhancements is another federal funding source of paved trails. This program is distributed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation through the Northeast Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership. While there are 12 categories of projects that qualify for Enhancements funding, paved trails have been the most funded in Northeast Minnesota since the program s origination in The program caps applications at $400,000 with at least a 20 percent local match. Again, local monies or LCMR could match these funds. This plan proposes that a significant amount of trails be funded by Enhancements with LCMR as the match in If a paved trail is within the Right-of-Way (ROW) of a County- State Aid route, State-Aid funds could be used as a local match as 9

16 Section Two: Trails System well. If the paved trail is within the ROW of a route that accesses a Minnesota State Park, Public Water Access, or other state recreational facility, State Park Road Funds could also be used as a local match. Current Funding Scenario ARDC estimates the cost of paved trail construction as $25 per foot. This is based on the experiences of previous trail construction efforts in Northeast Minnesota. The planned segments translate to a total of $2,667,884 needed for over 13 miles of trail construction in Two Harbors. In addition to the $25 per foot, this total includes $600,000 for needed railroad underpasses and $300,000 for a needed highway underpass. This total does not include any potential funds needed for ROW acquisition, but likely does have enough leeway to address any needed signage or fencing. The planned segments take into account the potential need for ROW and efforts were made to minimize that need by using existing road ROW or City-owned property. Based on the segment breakdown and the amount of money needed to complete the trail system the current funding scenario breaks down as shown in Table 1 on the following page. The scenario shows that the City would use a variety of funding sources to continue the construction of the trail system starting in 2005, when the City would use LCMR dollars that have already been acquired to match a potential Coastal Program grant to fund two trail segments. The City would then apply for additional LCMR funding in the amount of $222,500 to match the $890,000 of federal funds from the Safe Routes to School Program. That will meet the matching requirements of both programs. Those monies would be spent on constructing several important trail segments in Enhancements funding could build two potential segments that would parallel a future Lake County State-Aid Route. State-Aid funds could be used to provide the needed 20 percent local match. Still other segments could be funded by Private Developers as part of a Planned Unit Development, and by the State Park Road Fund (through Lake County). More detail regarding each segment and its potential funding source is in Appendix A. 10

17 Table 1-Trails segment report-by funding sourcesheet1 Table 1: Segments by Funding Source Coastal Program/LCMR Safe Routes to School Segment Number 19 Golf Course Central 0.53 $ 66, High 21 Sonju Trail North 0.30 $ 40, High Total 0.83 $ 106, Harbor Hills Southwest 0.24 $ 31, High 2 Harbor Hills Central 0.37 $ 49, High 5 Harbor Hills North 0.28 $ 36, High 8 CSAH 26 Trail East 0.25 $ 33, High 9 11 Neighborhood Connector West Neighborhood Connector East 0.11 $ 13, High 0.24 $ 331, High 14 Antonich Trail 0.28 $ 36, High 15 Leisure Hills 0.16 $ 20, High 25 Sonju Trail West 0.64 $ 85, High Skunk Creek Trail- Harbor Hills East Skunk Creek Trail- Harbor Hills North Skunk Creek Trail- Harbor Hills West 0.28 $ 36, High 0.14 $ 18, High 0.34 $ 45, High 33 Scenic Drive Trail 1.19 $ 157, High 35 7th Avenue Connector 0.27 $ 35, High 3 Harbor Hills Northwest 0.25 $ 33, Medium 6 CSAH 26 Trail West 0.49 $ 64, Medium 7 CSAH 26 Trail Central 0.51 $ 67, Medium Segment Name Length (in miles) Estimated Cost Priority Neighborhood Connector North 0.41 $ 53, Medium Neighborhood Connector South 0.24 $ 32, Low Total 6.69 $ 1,183, Federal Share $ 890, LCMR $ 293, Primary Funding Source Coastal Program/LCMR Coastal Program/LCMR Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School Potential Year of Construction Enhancements 22 TH 61 Underpass 0.02 $ 300, High Enhancements 2018* 17 Golf Course North 0.54 $ 71, Medium Enhancements Golf Course East 0.67 $ 88, Medium Enhancements South Railroad Underpass 0.03 $ 300, Medium Enhancements 2009 Total 1.26 $ 759, Other Sources 20 Gitchi-Gami State Trail NA NA High Mn/DOT 2018* 24 Sonju Trail Central 0.35 $ 45, High State Park Road Funds Skunk Creek Trail Segog 0.35 $ 46, High Private Developer Skunk Creek Connector 0.55 $ 72, High Private Developer Skunk Creek Trail East 0.26 $ 33, High Private Developer Skunk Creek Trail Central 0.51 $ 10, High City Road Fund Central Connector 0.45 $ 10, Medium City Road Fund 2010 Total 2.47 $ 217, Completed Projects Alternate Segments 4 Harbor Hills South 0.31 Complete Complete Complete Complete 16 Agate Trail 1.12 Complete Complete Complete Complete 23 Sonju Trail 0.65 Complete Complete Complete Complete Total 2.08 *This project is a priority, but due to costs, it will Grand Total $ 2,267, likely wait until Mn/DOT reconstructs road (currently planned for 2018) 25b Sonju Trail West-8th Street 0.62 $ 81, High City Road Fund b Neighborhood Connector South-8th 0.41 $ 54, High City Road Fund 2008 Street 33b Scenic Drive Trail- South 1.13 $ 148, High Developer c Scenic Drive Trail-North 1.07 $ 141, High Safe Routes to School 2007

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19 Section Two: Trails System General System Description In general, the Two Harbors Trail System addresses the goal of connecting neighborhoods to the City s schools. Trails also address other pedestrian generators such as parks (particularly youth athletic fields), shopping areas, the City campground, and the waterfront. Most of the trails in the system can be categorized by neighborhood or location. Noting the connectivity between these categories assisted the City in prioritizing trail segments for construction. Map 2 on page 17 shows these locations. Figure 5: Development site The Harbor Hills neighborhood is yet to exist. Development is imminent however; some of the property has been platted and construction will occur in The future neighborhood has been described by the Two Harbors Development Commission (THDC) as being targeted for higher cost homes on larger lots that preserve as many trees as possible. The preliminary concept plan shows several cul-de-sacs, which are not allowed under the current zoning ordinance. Additionally, THDC is placing a covenance on their sale of the land to developers, which stresses the need for preserving trees. The first preliminary plat shows that the developer wanted to depart from required setback in order to meet that covenance. These potential departures from the Two Harbors ordinance mean that the future development of Harbor Hills should be done through the City s Planned Unit Development (PUD) process. That process allows the developer to deviate from the ordinance in exchange for the provision of a public benefit that alleviates the concerns created by the deviation from the ordinance. This plan recommends that future PUDs include the provision of the paved trail shown as Harbor Hills Central (#2). Overall, this plan shows that Harbor Hills has 1.45 miles of proposed trails that are estimated to cost $150,946. These trails would serve the future residents of Harbor Hills as well as serve as a connection between the Segog neighborhood and the City s schools and parks. The Harbor Hills Trails are shown as segments #1 through #5. The CSAH 26 Trail (segments #6, #7, and #8) would run along Lake County CSAH 26 s west and north side. The trail should be built as far away from the road as possible, but within its right-ofway (ROW). This trails is shown in three segments. The two western segments (#6 and #7) are shown as low priorities because a wide shoulder already exists, and because there are 13

20 Section Two: Trails System parallel routes that are prioritized higher. The trail would be an important and efficient connection between western Two Harbors neighborhoods and the new high school. Total mileage of this trail would be 1.25 miles with a cost estimate of $165,412. Figure 6: An example of a more effective crosswalk sign. (Photo courtesy of the Transportation Research Board). Neighborhood Connector Trails (segments #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15) are located in the central core neighborhood of Two Harbors, which is located north of TH 61, south and east of CSAH 26, and west of CSAH 2. This neighborhood is mostly traditional housing with square blocks and alleys. Unfortunately even this more traditional neighborhood does not have sidewalks on many of its streets. Since the neighborhood is bordered on all sides by busy roadways, this plan examined ways to construct a trail system that provides connections from the neighborhood to schools, shopping, other neighborhoods, parks, and the waterfront. Since these destinations are often on the other side of busy highways, the City of Two Harbors should place centerline crosswalk signs at the trail crossings. The area s trails total 1.89 miles. A needed railroad underpass ($300,000) is a significant portion of the cost estimate ($498,559). The Agate Trail (segment #16) is a 1.1-mile paved trail that is already completed. The trail runs along CSAH 2 from 14 th Avenue to the new Two Harbors High School. It was a cooperative effort between the County, City, and School District, and was funded primarily by LCMR. Golf Course Trails are trails that are primarily located near Lakeview National Golf Course. Trail segments #17 and #18 are only necessary if Lake County proceeds with an idea to connect the Fairgrounds Road to TH 61 near the Superior Shores entrance. That road development could be accompanied by housing development on City of Two Harbors property around the Golf Course as discussed in the City s Comprehensive Plan. The two trails could be developed as part of the road construction. These trails would also connect future soccer fields that have been proposed for the City dump site. The third golf course trail (#19) would be built on City property skirting the west side of the golf course, connecting the City campground and existing Sonju Trail to the existing Agate Trail. This segment is considered a top priority of this plan. Total mileage for these trails is 1.74 miles, estimated to cost $226,581. The Gitchi-Gami State Trail (#20) is a large undertaking by the Minnesota DNR to build an 84 mile paved trail paralleling TH 61 14

21 Section Two: Trails System Figure 7: Sonju Trail from Two Harbors to Grand Marais. Much of the trail is being constructed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation as they reconstruct portions of TH 61. The beginning segment of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail is one of those segments. When the Gitchi- Gami Trail Plan was completed in January 2000, it was anticipated that the Two Harbors segment of TH 61 reconstruction and Gitchi- Gami State Trail construction would happen in It is now anticipated by Mn/DOT that due to rising construction costs and other funding priorities that the Two Harbors reconstruction would not happen until 2018 or later unless additional funds are identified. So, while the Gitchi-Gami Trail is a high priority of the Two Harbors Trail System, construction of the trail is likely many years away. The Sonju Trail is a paved trail system that focuses on the Two Harbors waterfront, but also addresses the need for housing and downtown businesses in the southern portion of Two Harbors to access the trails system and the City s schools. Made up of segments #21, #22, #23, #24, and #25, the trail is 1.96 miles long. Much of the trail (#23) has already been constructed, therefore the cost estimate for construction is only $470,693, most of which ($300,000) is for an underpass under TH 61 near the golf course. Figure 8: Skunk Creek Skunk Creek Trail was an idea first presented in the 1998 Comprehensive Plan. The trail runs from the beach at Burlington Bay (the outlet of Skunk Creek) along Skunk Creek to the Segog neighborhood. It includes segments #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, totaling 2.43 miles with cost estimates of $263,084. The trail is located in more scenic areas, away from roads and existing residences. ROW acquisition may be an issue with this trail idea, as might the safety of TH 61 crossing located near the CN Railroad bridge. Again, centerline pedestrian crossing signs should be used on all trail system crossings of highways. The Skunk Creek Trail includes one on-street segment (#27) that should use signage and striping of the roadway to direct trail users. Segments #31 and #32 are located in a potential Lake County HRA development. The developers should integrate the trails into their development. Some of the Skunk Creek Trail System is somewhat repetitive with other segments, so if ROW or construction becomes an issue, alternatives do exist. The North Shore Highway Connection Trails, when combined with the potential Skunk Creek and Sonju Trails, are a critical link in the bigger picture of paved trails in Northeast Minnesota. 15

22 Section Two: Trails System Future plans show the Duluth City Lakewalk being extended to the North Shore Scenic Highway, a designated bikeway. The Lakewalk is also planned to be connected to the Willard Munger State Trail in West Duluth (funding has been preliminarily budgeted in the same bill as the Two Harbors Safe Routes to School package). So, connecting the Scenic Highway on the western edge of Two Harbors to the future Gitchi-Gami State Trail will help build an incredibly extensive bicycle facility. It would stretch from Hinkley, Minnesota through Duluth, to Two Harbors via the Scenic Highway, and then on to Grand Marais, Minnesota a total distance of about 185 miles! Segments #33, #34, and #35 of the Two Harbors Trail System, would help achieve this connection within the City of Two Harbors. On-Road Trail Segments This plan recommends some trail segments be on-road. This means that the trail will be striped as part of a street s driving surface. It is recommended that the on-road segments be striped on each side of the street, with parking allowed on one side or both sides of the street. To have parking on only one side, streets will need to be at least 39 feet wide curb to curb. If parking were desired on both sides the street, it would need to be 44 feet wide (see diagram below-from the City of Chicago Bike Lane Design Guide). Figure 9: On Road Trail Segment 16

23 Table 2 and map 2-Trails segment report by neighborhoodsheet1 Table 2: Trail Segments by Location Harbor Hills Trails CSAH 26 Trail Central Core Trails Segment Number Segment Name Length (in miles) Estimated Cost Priority Primary Funding Source Potential Year of Construction 1 Harbor Hills Southwest 0.24 $ 31, High Safe Routes to School Harbor Hills Central 0.37 $ 49, High Developer Harbor Hills Northwest 0.25 $ 33, Medium Safe Routes to School Harbor Hills South 0.31 Complete Complete Complete Complete 5 Harbor Hills North 0.28 $ 36, High Safe Routes to School 2007 Harbor Hills Total 1.45 $ 150, CSAH 26 Trail West 0.49 $ 64, Medium Safe Routes to School CSAH 26 Trail Central 0.51 $ 67, Medium Safe Routes to School CSAH 26 Trail East 0.25 $ 33, High Safe Routes to School 2007 CSAH 26 Trail Total 1.25 $ 165, Neighborhood Connector West 0.11 $ 13, High Safe Routes to School Neighborhood Connector South 0.24 $ 32, Low Safe Routes to School Neighborhood Connector East 0.24 $ 331, High Safe Routes to School Central Connector 0.45 $ 10, Low City General Fund Neighborhood Connector North 0.41 $ 53, Medium Safe Routes to School Antonich Trail 0.28 $ 36, High Safe Routes to School Leisure Hills 0.16 $ 20, High Safe Routes to School 2007 Central Core Total 1.89 $ 498, Agate Trail 16 Agate Trail 1.12 Complete Complete Complete Complete Golf Course Trails 17 Golf Course North 0.54 $ 71, Medium Enhancements Golf Course East 0.67 $ 88, Medium Enhancements Golf Course Central 0.53 $ 66, High Coastal/LCMR 2006 Golf Course Total 1.74 $ 226, Gitchi Gami Trail 20 Gitchi-Gami State Trail NA NA High Mn/DOT 2018 Sonju Trail Skunk Creek Trail Scenic Drive Trails 21 Sonju Trail North 0.30 $ 40, High Coastal/LCMR TH 61 Underpass 0.02 $ 300, High Enhancements Sonju Trail 0.65 Complete Complete Complete Complete 24 Sonju Trail Central 0.35 $ 45, High State Park Road Funds Sonju Trail West 0.64 $ 85, High Safe Routes to School 2007 Sonju Trail Total 1.96 $ 470, Skunk Creek Trail East 0.26 $ 33, Medium Private Developer Skunk Creek Trail Central 0.51 $ 10, Medium City General Fund Skunk Creek Trail-Harbor Hills East 0.28 $ 36, High Safe Routes to School Skunk Creek Trail-Harbor Hills North 0.14 $ 18, High Safe Routes to School Skunk Creek Trail-Harbor Hills West 0.34 $ 45, High Safe Routes to School Skunk Creek Trail Segog 0.35 $ 46, High Private Developer Skunk Creek Connector 0.55 $ 72, High Private Developer 2008 Skunk Creek Total 2.43 $ 263, Scenic Drive Trail 1.19 $ 157, High Safe Routes to School South Railroad Underpass 0.03 $ 300, Medium Enhancements th Avenue Connector 0.27 $ 35, High Safe Routes to School 2007 Skunk Creek Total 1.49 $ 492, Grand Totals $ 2,267,884.00

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25 Section Three: Trailhead In the Two Harbors Comprehensive Plan (1998), development of a trailhead facility was proposed near Burlington Bay in Two Harbors. This area is notable because is near to/or is an actual/proposed access point for several trail systems, including the Superior National Hiking Trail, the Lake Superior Water Trail, the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, the North Shore State Trail, and the Two Harbors Trail System. Additionally, two tourism marketing entities are located in the area-the R.J. Houle Center and the North Shore Scenic Drive National Scenic Byway. Several meetings were held involving the representatives of most of these groups in the years after the completion of the Comprehensive Plan. Discussions were held regarding the scope the trailhead, which groups would be involved, and how the facility could be funded. Ultimately however, no official plans were approved by an official body, the City of Two Harbors or otherwise. When the City of Two Harbors revisited the Comprehensive Plan and other plans regarding the waterfront for the Two Harbors Waterfront Planning Summary, the idea of a trailhead resurfaced with the City Planning Commission. It gained even more interest from the Planning Commission when the City learned that federal money could be provided for trails in the City through Congressman Oberstar and Safe Routes to School. What is a Trailhead? trail head [ tráyl hèd ] (plural trail heads) noun start of trail: the start of a trail for walkers, sometimes with an information kiosk The above definition, from an online dictionary, doesn t quite meet the scope of the trailhead originally planned as part of the first trailhead planning process (see inset on page 22). That group talked about a building that would house offices for some of the affiliated trails, restrooms, an information desk, and interpretive displays. Some discussion at the end of the original planning process indicated that people tended to believe that that idea was too large of a scope for the potential funding sources of the project. 19

26 Section Three: Trailhead In November 2004, ARDC asked the possible participants to reassemble as a group to redefine the trailhead idea and to set a course of action for its implementation. Potential Trailhead Users The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is a footpath that begins directly north of Two Harbors and extends nearly to the Canadian border. The proposed trail is 205 miles long with 30 trailheads and 81 campsites. A group known today as the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) brought about the SHT in The SHTA is dedicated to the completion, preservation and promotion of the Superior Hiking Trail. The trail is ideal for hiking and camping; however, mountain bikes, horses and motorized vehicles are prohibited. A unique feature to the SHT is its buddy program. Individuals interested in connecting with other trail users may sign up to be a buddy on the trail website, There they post messages that other users can respond to. The SHT is also part of the larger North Country Trail system. The North Country Trail is a footpath that crosses seven states, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Upper and Lower Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. This trail is 4,000 miles long, with as much of it still in development. The North Country Trail Association was formed to develop, maintain, preserve and promote the North Country National Scenic Trail through a national network of volunteers, chapters, partner organizations and government agencies. More information can be found at The Lake Superior Water Trail stretches along the shore of Lake Superior beginning in Duluth ending 108 miles later in Grand Marais. Several of the sections do not have boat access so experienced sea kayakers with proper training are best suited for this trail. The Lake Superior Water Trail Association is a nonprofit group organized to establish a non-motorized state water trail, educate the public, enrich experiences, protect and preserve natural resources and promote awareness. More information can be found at 20

27 Section Three: Trailhead The Gitchi-Gami State Trail is a non-motorized paved trail, that when completed, will span between Two Harbors and Grand Marais providing the public a safe route to walk or bike on rather than the adjacent Highway 61. In the late 1980 s, concerned Cook County residents began addressing the issue of safety for bicyclists, in-line skaters, joggers and walkers. This group then formed the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association. The vision of the GGTA is to promote, plan and construct a premier recreational non-motorized paved trail that connects communities, state parks and attractions along the North Shore of Lake Superior. More information can be found at The North Shore State Trail is a 146-mile trail extending from Duluth to Grand Marais through St. Louis, Lake and Cook Counties. In the winter, snowmobilers primarily use this natural surface trail. In the summer, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders use the trail, although standing water may inhibit use on some segments. Camping and fishing are allowed at designated places along the trail. Parking lots can be found off Highway 61 on the Lester River Road and near the city limits of Duluth at the Martin Road parking lot. More information can be found at The Two Harbors Trail System is largely undeveloped and is the focus of Sections 1 and 2 as well as the appendix of this document. The R. J. Houle Center is located on Trunk Highway 61 on the east side of Two Harbors, near Burlington Bay. This facility has a large parking lot and a small log building in which employees provide visitors with information on local attractions, historic places, lodging and dining. More information can be found at It is important to note that Lake County, the primary funder of the facility, is phasing out its contributions over the course of the next few years. The North Shore Scenic Drive (NSSD) was granted All- American Road status from Two Harbors to Grand Portage in All American Road status was extended into Duluth s Canal Park in 2002, resulting in a 154-mile continuous designation of All- American Road on the North Shore. The North Shore Scenic Drive Council (NSSDC) has been carrying these designations forward since 1999 and is now gaining momentum for project development along the Drive. This route is well known as the home of 21

28 Section Three: Trailhead Grandma s Marathon. Tourists and residents alike will find a variety of shops and restaurants along their way. The mission of the NSSDC is To cooperatively enhance the economic benefits of travel along Lake Superior s North Shore and improve the quality of the route, while preserving its cultural, social, and natural integrity. More information can be found at and at Trailhead Planning Process The 2001 Lake County Visitor Center Feasibility Study The Lake County Visitor Center Feasibility Study (2001), prepared by Business Plans, Inc., was a process that examined the potential for the creation of a large visitor center and trailhead near the site of the R. J. Houle Center in Two Harbors. The plan stated that the center should have a large lobby, a boardroom, a seat viewing room, and 1,800 square feet of rental office space. The center was to offer interpretive exhibits, lake access, trip planning assistance, promotional space for supporting businesses, food and beverages, and souvenirs. The project had an estimated price tag of $1,000,000. It called for a lodging tax (50 percent) in addition to sales, fees, and rental space revenue. It was to be managed through a non-profit organization with a volunteer board of directors. It was generally thought that involved trail organization would use the office space. The potential trailhead participants met on December 3, 2004 at the Two Harbors City Hall. In general the group settled on the following set of ideas: A trailhead should be developed in Two Harbors The trailhead should be in the Burlington Bay waterfront planning area The Trailhead should provide connections to the future Two Harbors Trail System, the future Gitchi-Gami Trail, the existing North Shore State Trail (snowmobile), and the existing Lake Superior Water Trail The trailhead should generally be located at or near the existing R. J. Houle Information Center The trailhead should provide information, maps, and parking The trailhead should have staffed information if possible The trailhead should have restrooms The trailhead should provide picnic tables The trailhead should be designed in an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sensitive manner The trailhead should work to allow snowmobiles, but in a safe manner that isn t damaging to the other types of trails A 30 mile per hour snowmobile speed limit should be set within the Two Harbors City limits 22

29 Section Three: Trailhead Burlington Bay Beach should be analyzed to determine sources of pollution that force it to be closed, making it less effective as a trailhead for the Lake Superior Water Trail Trailhead should use the signage and interpretation framework of the North Shore Scenic Drive Interpretive Plan Opportunity for a bicycle rental business in the Burlington Bay area of Two Harbors should be encouraged-kayak rental is also be encouraged, but it is acknowledged to be less likely due to liability concerns Trailhead Recommendations A more detailed action plan for the implementation of the ideas above will be a part of the Two Harbors Waterfront Action Plan. The trailhead idea will be a part of that document s preferred alternative for the Burlington Bay planning area. The Waterfront Plan will be completed early in

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31 Appendix A: Detailed Segment Description The Two Harbors Planning Commission has broken down the proposed trail system into 35 distinct segments. These segments enable planning staff to match segments to the most appropriate funding source. Smaller segments also allow staff to determine the best alternatives if funding does not permit construction of all segments or if some segments become impossible to construct due to landscape issues or if right-of-way cannot be acquired. A-1

32 A-2

33 Potential Soccer Fields Potential Soccer Fields Map 4: Two Harbors Trails

34 A-4

35 1. Harbor Hills Southwest Runs along the east side of 15 th Street from about 9 th Avenue to 14 th Avenue connecting potential trail segments #2, #3, #4, #30, #31, #32 Length: 0.24 miles Estimated Cost: $31, Priority: High Issues: ROW needed from private landowners Lack of sidewalk connectivity near Segog Benefits: Trail will connect to many trail segments, making it an important cog in the trail system Extra right-of-way and even trail construction could be provided by PUD processes for Harbor Hills Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, developers, and LCMR Potential year of construction: 2007 A-5

36 2. Harbor Hills Central Runs along future road through Harbor Hills, connecting potential trail segments #1, #3, #5, #6, and #7 Length: 0.37 miles Estimated Cost: $49, Priority: High Issues: ROW needed from developers Benefits: Connects many trail segments Extra right-of-way and even trail construction could be provided by PUD processes for Harbor Hills Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, developers, and LCMR Potential year of construction: 2007 A-6

37 3. Harbor Hills Northwest Runs along the east side of 15 th Street from 14 th Avenue to 17 th Avenue connecting potential trail segments #1, #2, #5, and #32 Length: 0.25 miles Estimated Cost: $33, Priority: Medium Issues: There are currently utility poles on the east side of 15 th Street ROW needed from developers May be repetitive with #2 Benefits: Trail will connect many trail segments Extra right-of-way and even trail construction could be provided by PUD processes for Harbor Hills Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, developers, and LCMR Potential year of construction: 2007 A-7

38 4. Harbor Hills South Runs along the north side of the 11 th Avenue Parkway from 15 th Street to CSAH 26, connecting trail segments #1, #6, #9, and #29 Length: 0.31 miles Estimated Cost: Complete Priority: Complete Issues: Connectivity to Segog Crossing of CSAH 26 needed Benefits: Complete Potential funding sources: Complete Potential year of construction: Complete A-8

39 5. Harbors Hills North Runs along the south side of the future 17 th Avenue Parkway (to be constructed in the summer of 2005) between 15 th Street and CSAH 26, connecting trail segments #2, #3, #6, and #7 Length: 0.28 miles Estimated Cost: $36,885 Priority: High Issues: None Benefits: Trail will connect to planned trails and the existing wide shoulders of CSAH 26 Trail being graded as part of road development by Lake County Trail could paved with money from Harbor Hills PUDs Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (match), or developer of Harbor Hills Potential year of construction: 2007 A-9

40 6. CSAH 26 Trail West Runs on the back slope of the western and northern CSAH 26 ROW from 11 th Avenue Parkway (#4) to 17 th Avenue Parkway (#5) Length: 0.49 miles Estimated Cost: $64, Priority: Low (wide shoulders already exist) Issues: It could be repetitive with #1 and #3 and/or the combination of #9, #11, #13, and #14) Benefits: No ROW will be required (Lake County) Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (Match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-10

41 7. CSAH 26 Trail Central Runs on the back slope of the center portion of CSAH 26 ROW from 17 th Avenue Parkway (#5) to intersection of Antonich Drive (#14) Length: 0.51 Estimated Cost: $67, Priority: Medium (wide shoulders exist) Issues: It could be repetitive with the combination of #9, #11, #12 and #13 Passes near the Adult-use Zoning District Benefits: No ROW will be required (Lake County) Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (Match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-11

42 8. CSAH 26 Trail East Runs on the back slope of the western and northern CSAH 26 ROW from Antonich Drive (#14) to the Agate Trail (#15) Length: 0.25 Estimated Cost: $33, Priority: High Issues: None Benefits: No ROW will be required (Lake County) Important system connection Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (Match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-12

43 9. Neighborhood Connector West Runs from CSAH 26 opposite of 11 th Avenue Parkway through green space north of Pamida to CN Railroad, connecting to potential trails #10 and #11 Length: 0.11 Estimated Cost: $13, Priority: High Issues: Railroad may need fencing to keep people away from tracks Right-of-way would have to be acquired from THDC and CN Railroad Benefits: Trail will connect western neighborhoods to the planned segments connecting eastern neighborhoods and 7 th Avenue Route is currently undeveloped Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (Match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-13

44 10. Neighborhood Connector South Runs from potential trail #9 south along the CN Railroad to 7 th Avenue, City sidewalks, and trail #25 Length: 0.24 miles Estimated Cost: $32, Priority: High Issues: Railroad may need fencing to keep people away from tracks Right-of-way would have to be acquired from THDC and CN Railroad Benefits: Trail will connect western neighborhoods to downtown and Minnehaha School Route is currently undeveloped Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (Match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-14

45 10b. Neighborhood Connector South-8 th Street Runs 7 th Avenue (TH 61) to 13 th Avenue. This segment is an alternative to Segment 10. It may have to be used if right-of-way cannot be acquired for Segment 10. Length: 0.41 Estimated Cost: $10, Priority: High Issues: On-road segment would need to be a part of a road reconstruction Benefits: Links downtown and 7 th Avenue businesses to neighborhoods Potential funding sources: City Road Fund Potential year of construction: 2007 or 2008 A-15

46 11. Neighborhood Connector East Runs along the west side of CN Railroad from end of planned trail segment (# 9) north to a potential underpass, passes east under tracks, then parallels tracks north to Odegaard Park ball fields, connecting to potential trails #12 and #13 Length: 0.24 miles Estimated Cost: $331, Priority: High Issues: Right-of-way would have to be acquired Underpass is very expensive CN Railroad may not want parallel route Benefits: Trail will connect western and eastern neighborhoods Scenic area Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (Match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-16

47 12. Central Connector Runs on 13 th Avenue from Odegaard Park to Leisure Hills Length: 0.45 miles Estimated Cost: $10, (striping only) Priority: Low (on street) Issues: No room for off road trail Parking would need to be removed Benefits: Inexpensive Connects neighborhood to Agate Trail (#15) Potential funding sources: City General Fund Potential year of construction: 2010 A-17

48 13. Neighborhood Connector North Runs on power line corridor from west end of Odegaard to ½ block north of 16 th Avenue-then parallels alley ½ block north of 16 th Avenue to 8 th Street, connecting trail segment #12 to segment #14 Length: 0.41 miles Estimated Cost: $53, Priority: Medium (on street options) Issues: ROW would be needed Neighbors may have concerns Power company may have concerns Benefits: Connects Odegaard Park to soccer field Connects neighborhood to Agate Trail Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-18

49 14. Antonich Trail Runs on back slope on west side of Paul Antonich Drive from ½ block north of 16 th Avenue to CSAH 26, connecting potential trail segment #13 to segments #7 and #8 Length: 0.28 miles Estimated Cost: $36, Priority: High Issues: Need to integrate parking for soccer field Crossing of CSAH 26 would be needed Tight squeeze on north end past residences Benefits: No ROW needed (Lake County) Connects soccer field to neighborhood Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-19

50 15. Leisure Hills Trail Runs along 5 th Street from segment #12 to a line even with 14 th Avenue, then continuing northeast through a green space area to Agate Trail (#15) Length: 0.16 miles Estimated Cost: $20, Priority: High Issues: On street section needed ROW needed Benefits: Adjacent to a senior housing facility Connects a neighborhood to the trail system Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-20

51 16. Agate Trail Runs on west back slope of CSAH 2 from ½ block south of 15 th Avenue to a point opposite of MnDNR Office, then crosses to the east side of CSAH 2, then continues north to utility corridor, then goes northeast to new High School, connecting trail segments, #8, #16, #18, and #19 Length: 1.12 miles Estimated Cost: Complete Priority: Complete Issues: Several road and driveway crossings Benefits: Potential funding sources: Complete Potential year of construction: Complete A-21

52 17. Golf Course North Runs from potential new intersection at CSAH opposite of CSAH 26, then along Fairgrounds Road to potential soccer fields at old dump site, connecting #8, #15, and #17 Length: 0.54 miles Estimated Cost: $71, Priority: Medium Issues: Intersection yet to be funded or constructed Soccer fields yet to be funding or constructed Benefits: ROW exists on Fairgrounds Road May connect to future neighborhood on golf course Potential funding sources: Enhancements, County state-aid (match) Potential year of construction: 2012 A-22

53 18. Golf Course East Trail From end of segment #16 to south side of new soccer fields, then following potential new road to TH 61 near Flood Bay and the future Gitchi-Gami State Trail (#20) Length: 0.67 miles Estimated Cost: $88, Priority: Medium Issues: Road yet to be funded or constructed Crossing of TH 61 would be needed Benefits: Connects future trails to future Gitchi-Gami State Trail Funding could be assisted by Golf Course PUDs Potential funding sources: Enhancements, County state-aid (match), developers Potential year of construction: 2013 A-23

54 19. Golf Course Central Runs from intersection of 1 st Street and TH 61 though golf course parking lot, then along golf course service road, then paralleling the tenth hole tee area to CSAH 2, where it connects to Agate Trail (#15) Length: 0.53 miles Estimated Cost: $69, Priority: High Issues: Need to integrate with golf course needs Crossings of TH 61 and CSAH 2 would be needed Benefits: No ROW needed (City of Two Harbors) Connects Sonju Trail, Campgrounds, and south neighborhoods to Agate Trail (#15) Potential funding sources: Coastal Program, LCMR (match) Potential year of construction: 2006 A-24

55 20. Gitchi-Gami Trail Runs on back slope on southeast side of TH 61 from Houle Center northeast to Grand Marais-trail will be maintained by the Mn/DNR Length: 84 miles Estimated Cost: TBD Priority: High Issues: Mn/DOT is to construct trail when road is reconstructed Funding is limited for TH 61 reconstruction Benefits: No ROW needed (Mn/DOT) Potential funding sources: Mn/DOT Potential year of construction: 2018 (approximate) A-25

56 21. Sonju Trail North Runs from TH 61 and the Houle Center on the west side of 1 st Street past overflow camping area and over Skunk Creek to existing Sonju Trail (#23) Length: 0.30 miles Estimated Cost: $40, Priority: High Issues: Need connection to Houle Center Future of Houle Center is unclear Bridge needed over Skunk Creek Crossing of 7 th Avenue and 1 st Street Benefits: No ROW needed (Lake County) Connects existing trails to future trails Connects south neighborhoods to school Potential funding sources: Coastal Program, LCMR (match) Potential year of construction: 2006 A-26

57 22. TH 61 Underpass Runs underneath TH 61 connecting segment #19 to #21 Length: 0.02 miles Estimated Cost: $300, Priority: High Issues: Need to integrate with future TH 61 reconstruction (not until well into the future) Expensive Benefits: Provides safe crossing that connects southern neighborhoods to the high school Potential funding sources: Enhancements, Two Harbors match Potential year of construction: 2018 (approximate) A-27

58 23. Sonju Trail From ½ block north of 4 th Avenue on east side of 1 st Street trail runs through Lakeview Park, over South Avenue, past water treatment plant, through open area, then swings west to 3 rd Street, connecting potential segments #21 and #24 Length: 0.65 miles Estimated Cost: Complete Priority: Complete Issues: Development may occur in open area Benefits: Complete Potential funding sources: Complete Potential year of construction: Complete A-28

59 24. Sonju Trail Central Runs from southern terminus of Sonju Trail (#23) around back side of future marina to Waterfront Drive and downtown Two Harbors, connecting to potential trail segment #25 Length: 0.27 miles Estimated Cost: $35, Priority: High Issues: Marina needs to be designed and funded Benefits: Connects neighborhoods to school via future trails and TH 61 underpass Scenic area Potential funding sources: Marina funding, state park road fund, County stateaid (match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-29

60 25. Sonju Trail West Runs from Waterfront Drive past the west side of downtown Two Harbors then along the east side of the CN Railroad to 7 th Avenue, connecting #24 to # 10, #27 and #28 Length: 0.64 miles Estimated Cost: $85, Priority: Medium Issues: Tight corridor between tracks and businesses Benefits: Connects neighborhoods to downtown Potential funding sources: Enhancements, City (match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-30

61 25b. Sonju Trail West-8 th Street Runs from Downtown Waterfront to 8 th Street then becomes an on-road segment to 7 th Avenue (TH 61). This segment is an alternative to Segment 25. It may have to be used if right-of-way is too tight on Segment 25. Length: 0.62 Estimated Cost: $81, Priority: High Issues: On-road segment would need to be a part of a road reconstruction Benefits: Links downtown to 7 th Avenue businesses Links Sonju Trail to proposed Skunk Creek Trail Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, City Road Fund Potential year of construction: 2007 or 2008 A-31

62 26. Skunk Creek Trail East Runs west along Skunk Creek from potential trail segment #21 to 4 th Street and segment #27 Length: 0.26 miles Estimated Cost: $33, Priority: Medium Issues: Need to integrate with future development School still owns property Benefits: No ROW needed (City of Two Harbors-in future) Connects neighborhoods to school via future trail and underpass Scenic area Potential funding sources: Private development Potential year of construction: 2012 A-32

63 27. Skunk Creek Trail Central (on-road) Runs on 6 th Avenue from the west end of Segment # 27 at 4 th Street to its intersection with Segment #26 Length: 0.51 Estimated Cost: $10, Priority: Medium Issues: Portions of 6 th Street in poor condition Need to avoid parking Benefits: No ROW needed Connects neighborhoods to school via future trails and underpass Potential funding sources: City general funds and capital improvements Potential year of construction: 2012 A-33

64 28. Skunk Creek Trail Harbor Hills East Runs west along Skunk Creek from the intersection of potential trail #10 and 7 th Avenue to the intersection of CSAH 26 and 7 th Avenue, then turns north to a point just north of Skunk Creek at the intersection of potential segments #29 and #30 Length: 0.28 Estimated Cost: $36, Priority: High Issues: Current snowmobile area Highway crossing Steep terrain near Skunk Creek ROW needed Benefits: Connects neighborhoods to Minnehaha School and City sidewalk system Scenic area Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR Potential year of construction: 2007 A-34

65 29. Skunk Creek Trail Harbor Hills North Runs on the west side of CSAH 26 between potential trail segments #4 and #30/#28 Length: 0.14 Estimated Cost: $18, Priority: High Issues: Steep grades Benefits: Links Harbors Hills to Skunk Creek Trail System Scenic area Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (Match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-35

66 30. Skunk Creek Trail Harbor Hills West Runs along Skunk Creek from CSAH 26 at the intersection of potential trails #28 and #29 to 15 th Street and the intersection of potential trail segments #1 and #31 Length: 0.34 Estimated Cost: $45, Priority: High Issues: ROW needed near Skunk Creek-if not available, existing trail segment #4 is an alternative route Terrain is steep Benefits: Connects Segog neighborhood to trail system Scenic area Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-36

67 31. Skunk Creek Trail Segog Runs along Skunk Creek from 15 th Street and the intersections of trail segment #30 and #1 to the future Lake County HRA development and potential trail segment #32 Length: 0.35 Estimated Cost: $46, Priority: High Issues: Marina needs to be designed and funded Benefits: Connects neighborhoods to school via future trails and TH 61 underpass Scenic area Potential funding sources: Marina funding, state park road fund, County stateaid (match) Potential year of construction: 2007 A-37

68 32. Skunk Creek Connector Through Lake County HRA development area from the end of 19 th Street and along the south side of 14 th Avenue to 15 th Street and intersection with potential trail segments #1, #2 and #3 Length: 0.55 Estimated Cost: $72, Priority: High Issues: May need right-of-way along 14 th Avenue Need crossing of 15 th Street Benefits: Could be constructed by developer as part of PUD process Trail will connect to other trails planned for Heritage Creek development planned by Lake County HRA Potential funding sources: Developer Potential year of construction: 2008 A-38

69 33. Scenic Drive Trail Runs east along TH 61 from the Scenic Drive to the Two Harbors business area, then swings south of Cemetery to the CN Railroad where an underpass is planned Length: miles Estimated Cost: $157, Priority: High Issues: May need right-of-way behind businesses Railroad area is tight Benefits: Part of a larger bicycle network Scenic Area Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, matched by LCMR/Developer Potential year of construction: 2007 A-39

70 33b. Scenic Drive Trail-South Runs along railroad from 7 th Avenue at Skunk Creek to the Scenic Highway. This segment could be used if Segment 33 is determined unfeasible. Length: 1.13 Estimated Cost: $148, Priority: High Issues: ROW needed near from railroad Trail is isolated from motels on 7 th Avenue Benefits: Scenic area Connectivity Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (match)/developer Potential year of construction: 2007 A-40

71 33c. Scenic Drive Trail-North Runs along TH 61 from the Scenic Highway to Skunk Creek. Length: 1.07 Estimated Cost: $141, Priority: High Issues: Replaces existing sidewalk Many driveway crossings Benefits: Connectivity to businesses Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, LCMR (match)/developer Potential year of construction: 2007 A-41

72 34. South Railroad Underpass An underpass under the CN Railroad that would connect the Scenic Drive Trail to the Skunk Creek and Sonju Trails Length: 0.03 Estimated Cost: $300, Priority: Medium Issues: Skunk Creek in area Expensive Benefits: Safe crossing in congested area. Potential funding sources: Enhancements, matched by LCMR Potential year of construction: 2009 A-42

73 35. 7 th Avenue Connector Through business area connections, segments #28, #29 and #33. Length: 0.27 miles Estimated Cost: $35, Priority: High Issues: May need right-of-way from businesses Benefits: Safe crossing of TH 61 at stoplight Trail will connect neighborhoods to potential Scenic Drive trail Potential funding sources: Safe Routes to School, matched by LCMR Potential year of construction: 2007 A-43

74 A-44 26

75 Appendix B: Public Input The City of Two Harbors, with assistance from the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission, held a public meeting on January 13, 2005 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Two Harbors City Hall to solicit public comment on the proposed Two Harbors Trail System Plan. The Waterfront Action Plan was also discussed at the meeting. A PowerPoint presentation outlining the Trails Plan and proposed segments was presented on a recurring loop and two planners and a GIS specialist were available to answer questions. Public comment forms were made available for the Waterfront and Trails Plans. These forms could either be completed at the meeting or mailed in to ARDC at a later date. ARDC accepted public comments through February 1, More than 30 people signed the attendance sheet at the open house. ARDC received eight written comments on the Trail System Plan. All of the comments received were very positive towards the potential for trails to add to the quality of life in Two Harbors. Two comments stated that increasing awareness of the trail system would be important in shaping the long-term success of the project. B-1

76 Appendix C: What is ARDC? The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) is a multi-disciplined planning and development organization whose jurisdiction encompasses the Northeast Minnesota counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis. In accordance with the Minnesota Regional Development Act, the Commission serves as an advocate for local governments in Northeast Minnesota, provides leadership in the development of projects that benefit the Arrowhead Region and serves as a catalyst to identify needs and seek solutions to issues of regional significance. This role is especially important with regard to problems and opportunities that are multi-jurisdictional in scope or impact. Throughout its existence, ARDC has developed numerous planning and implementation programs aimed at meeting the needs of the Arrowhead Region. ARDC also serves as an umbrella agency for a wide variety of local, state, and federal initiatives. These programs include services to aging, human services, transit transportation, metropolitan planning, economic development, community development, and natural resources. Other responsibilities of ARDC include the development and maintenance of resource data to support the preparation of comprehensive development plans for units of government. 26